As a rule these buildings were much broader and less graceful in design.

This tower has been critcised as "squat," but considering its use it will be seen that a broad base is essential to its character.

In reality, it is remarkable how much delicacy and grace have been given by form and proportion, without lessening the strength or utility.

The tower was built by Clement Lichfield in the last years of his abbacy, and hardly finished at his resignation in 1539.

That the builder and his local contemporaries were proud of this last ornament to the town, is proved by the inscription on Lichfield's grave, which concludes with the line "in whose time the new tower of Evesham was built." The bell tower is indeed Evesham's chief glory, from some standpoints her principal cause for pride.